Japan

1. Japan Stella Theodoulou

2. Japan • Second world industrial power (after the US) • Stable but new democracy (after WWII) • Liberal and modern, but Non-Western

3. Ancient-history • 6th century: • One clan centralizes power over many (warrior) tribes, and imposes emperor Jimmu. • Confucianism and Buddhism arrive from China, and superimpose to the local Shinto faith--syncreticism. • Development of a traditional feudal society (with lords, samurai—hereditary warriors, continuos wars, serfs). • Aislationism: in the 17th century, Christianity was forbidden, as well as Japanese ships to leave Japan.

4. Freeing Trade • In 1853, American Commodore Perry brought to Japan a message from the American President asking the Japanese to open the country to foreign trade. • The Japanese were forced to sign a treaty on trade... • And many other treaties from that on (on how to treat foreigners legally, as well as on tariffs)

5. From Empire to Dictatorship to Liberal Democracy • 1868-1911 Meiji Period • 1889 Imperial (Meiji) Constitution (the Diet was in place, but the Emperor and the samurai concentrated power and chose the Prime Minister). • (Victorious) wars with China (1894/5) and Russia (1904/5): Japan acquired Taiwan and a part of Manchuria. Korea was incorporated in 1910, and the military gained power and prestige. • 1918: A commoner is elected as the Prime Minister for the first time, representing the Constitutional Party (created since the 1880s)

6. From Empire to Dictatorship to Liberal Democracy Taisho Democracy: • 1925, universal (male) suffrage and democratization of the lower house, but... Clause confirming the Emperor’s sovereignty. • 1930s: rise of militarism as a consequence of the economic crisis. Puppet civilian government—Expansionism—WAR (1937 with China) • 1940, Alliance with Italy and Germany • December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbour • August 1945, use of atomic bombs by the US • Japanese surrender and acceptance of Postdam. • US occupation of Japan

7. From Empire to Dictatorship to Liberal Democracy • 1947 McArthur Constitution (Gral. McArthur, head of the occupation forces) • 1940s Organization of parties (Liberal, Socialist) • Beginning of the economic reorganization of the country. • 1950s: • 1952 San Francisco Treaty (US military bases on Japan) • Japan was turned into an American ally. • 1955 Beginning of the conservative hegemony (emphasis on economic growth and redistribution) • Strong debates between parties on the right and the left about the role and future of Japan (riots).

8. The Japanese “miracle.” • 9% annual economic growth from 1955 to 1973 (and 4-5% afterwards). • In 1970, Japan was the 3rd economy in the world. • Secrets: • State planning (“Take off” MITI). • Long term investments (and expected gains)—Technology. • Good conditions for workers/consumers • Skilled workforce

9. LDP’s Hegemony • From 1945-55: multi-party system • From 1955 to 1993, the LDP won every general election. One-party-dominant-system. • 1970s Frequent changes in cabinet membership, PM resignation, factions. • End in 1993: coalition of 8 parties (liberal/leftist)

10. Japan Politics Today • Unstable party system (continous formation and disintegration of parties—TV) • Uncertainty about the international role/s Japan may have to play • Increasing disillusionment from politics • Corruption

11. The Government • Constitutional monarchy (male Emperor) • Emperor Akihito (1989) Heisei Era (Peace Attained). Years of the eras frame the calendar. • Unitary State (47 prefectures) • Parliamentary democracy (Prime Minister/Cabinet) • (=The United Kingdom?) (but) • Written Constitution: the MacArthur Constitution consecrates the people as the sovereign.

12. Art. 9 Japanese Constitution • Japan renounced to use military power (in fact, Japan has a strong military)

13. The Executive • Prime Minister (elected by the lower House) may submit bills in the name of the cabinet. • Member of the majority, or representing a coalition. • Commander-in-chief of the defense forces • Can be removed by votes of no confidence • Cabinet (most of its members come from the Diet)

14. Legislative • The Diet (highest organ of government, created in 1889) Kokkai • House of Councillors (252, 6 year-term) • House of Representatives (about 500, 4-year-term). 11 members are elected through SMD representing districts, the rest through PR. It has the greater power. Can be dissolved (generally every 2 or 3 years) The members of both houses are elected democratically through suffrage (diff. With the UK and Germany)

15. The Judiciary (Unitary System) • Supreme Court (appointed by the cabinet & subjected to the people’s approval in the next election) has the power of judicial review • 8 High courts • 50 District Courts • 50 Family Courts • Summary Courts

16. Source: McNelly, Theodore, “The Government of Japan,”Intro. To Comparative Gvt. Diet Election Dissolution Legislation Des. Prime Minister/ No Confidence Review legislation People (sovereign) Administration Review Cabinet Supreme Court Appointment of judges Administration of justice

17. The State Bureaucracy • Prestigious bureaucratic careers (enhanced by the Confucian tradition) • Insulation • Cabinet members tend to be career politicians (and leading politicians frequently come from bureaucratic careers) • Links to corporations

18. Importance of Consensus • Deliberation councils linked to interest groups within the community informally intervene in the legislative process (prepare bills)